A MEDICAL watchdog is to investigate the reasons why the vast majority of people in Lancashire do not give blood, despite the fact one in four will need a donation at some point in their life.

Healthwatch Lancashire says only about four per cent of residents donate blood, and has launched a ‘Love to Give Blood’ research campaign to find the reasons for this.

MORE TOP STORIES:

In January, the NHS was forced to issue an urgent appeal for donors to come forward, after stocks diminished over the festive period.

Healthwatch will be engaging with residents in various locations across the county, including hospitals, GP surgeries, pharmacies, schools and colleges, to collect the views of the public.

The findings of the research will then be shared with those who manage, run and regulate health and social care services.

Gill Brown, chief executive, said: “According to the latest figures, more than 25 per cent of people require donated blood in their lifetime and this is a lifeline for many people needing long-term treatments, not just in emergencies.

“This research will be conducted throughout February across Lancashire and we are really looking for members of the public to participate so we can identify any barriers or opportunities for blood donation in the county.

“By collecting intelligence from studies such as this and working with those who run and manage services, Healthwatch Lancashire has the ability to influence changes that will work towards every person in the county receiving the health and social care they not only need, but deserve.”

Last week, the Lancashire Telegraph reported the tragic death of Clint Houlahan, 28, who had battled a rare form of cancer.

Through the course of his treatment, Mr Houlahan relied on a number of blood donations and his family urged people to give blood in his memory.

Healthwatch has just completed a study involving 1,000 people, which looked at patients’ experiences of the NHS 111 service, and is set to make its findings public this week.

If you are interested in taking part in the new study, see: www.healthwatchlancashire.co.uk/blood for more information.